Date: Fri, 12 Dec 97 18:07:16 EST
From: "NGLTF"
Subject: NGLTF Releases '97 State Report
NATIONAL GAY AND LESBIAN TASK FORCE
PRESS RELEASE
Contact:
Mark F. Johnson, Media Director
mfjohnson@ngltf.org
202/332-6483 x3314
pager 1-800-757-6476
2320 17th Street NW, Washington, DC 20009
http://www.ngltf.org
................................................
1997 IMPORTANT YEAR IN EQUAL RIGHTS BATTLE
Task Force Releases "Capital Gains & Losses: A State by State
Review of Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and HIV/AIDS
Related Legislation in 1997"
Washington, DC---December 10, 1997 -- Today the National Gay and
Lesbian Task Force released its annual survey of state legislation.
Capital Gains and Losses: A State by State Review of Gay, Lesbian,
Bisexual, Transgender, and HIV/AIDS Related Legislation in 1997
is a telling picture of the prominence of states in the national
struggle occurring over the rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and
transgender (GLBT) people.
Since the Task Force began tracking activity in state legislatures
in 1995, the number of GLBT related measures has increased each
year. The intensity of these activities also remains high.
"1997 was an unequivocal step forward on our march to justice,"
stated Kerry Lobel, Task Force executive director. "We've long
known that the states and local communities are not only the
barometer for the state of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender
rights in America; they are the eye of the storm," added Lobel.
New Hampshire and Maine's passage of comprehensive civil rights
laws for gays, lesbians, and bisexuals, Washington State's statewide
ballot initiative to ban employment discrimination based on sexual
orientation - the first such measure ever in the country - were
some of the year's highlights. (Washington's initiative was defeated,
and Maine's law will be put to a vote on February 10th.)
Also, the passage in 1997 of major domestic partnership initiatives
in the state of Hawaii and the cities of San Francisco and Chicago,
coupled with a record number of favorable domestic partner bills
introduced, reflects the growing importance of family issues in
the GLBT community. The continued push forward for the freedom to
marry during the past year was also a critical component in the
effort for full recognition of GLBT families.
In the meantime, the right wing's rallying around a homophobic state
adoption worker in Texas is indicative of the attacks on GLBT
families that occurred in state legislatures in 1997 and foretells
a likely increase in such attacks during the 1998 state legislative
session.
1997 Summary Findings
The Task Force Tracked 248 pieces of legislation (compared with
160 in 1996):
ù 128 pieces of legislation classified as favorable appeared
in 38 states (compared with 61 in 25 states in 1996).
ù 120 pieces of legislation classified as unfavorable appeared
in 44 states (compared with 99 in 40 states in 1996).
ù When marriage bills are removed, the figures show 124 favorable
measures and 74 unfavorable measures (compared with 56 and 50,
respectively, in 1996).
ù The 46 anti-marriage bills represented 38% of the unfavorable
bills introduced, and 53% of all the unfavorable that were passed
into law.
ù HIV/AIDS measures represented the largest percentage (23%)
of the favorable measures introduced as well as passed (38%).
ù Civil rights measure represented the second largest percentage
of favorable bills introduced (20%) and 8% of the favorable bill passed.
For a copy of Capital Gains and Losses: A State by State Review of
Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, and HIV/AIDS Related Legislation
in 1997, or for contact information of statewide political
organizations, contact NGLTF's media director at (202) 332-6483
ext. 3314.
-30-
The National Gay and Lesbian Task Force has worked to eliminate
prejudice, violence and injustice against gay, lesbian, bisexual
and transgendered people at the local, state and national level
since its inception in 1973. As part of a broader social justice
movement for freedom, justice and equality, NGLTF is creating a
world that respects and celebrates the diversity of human expression
and identity where all people may fully participate in society.
_________________________________________
This message was issued by the National Gay and Lesbian Task Force Media
Department. If you have any questions regarding this post, please direct them
to one of the contacts at the top of this message
If you wish to UNSUBSCRIBE from this list, please send an email with
"UNSUBSCRIBE PRESSLIST" in the subject and body of your email message to
.